The holiday season is about to kick into high gear, so it’s no wonder retailers are getting a jump on Black Friday sales and offering great fashion deals now. Clothing, jewelry, beauty products, shoes — there’s a cornucopia of bargains to be had this week. Plus, with Thanksgiving feasts taking place next week, you ought to realize shopping is cardio.

Banana Republic sale: Whether you’re getting a jump on holiday shopping or just in need of some new party clothes, be sure to take advantage of Banana Republic’s sale, where you can score 30 percent off full priced items through Nov. 22 when you enter BRDRESSED at checkout. And all orders over $50? They ship for free.

Philosophy promo code: Stock up on stocking stuffers (and fill your own shelves) with fab scented bath and body products from this great-smelling brand. Enter the code HOLIDAYSHIP at checkout through Nov. 22 and you’ll get 20 percent off and free shipping on every Philosophy order. Spiced Gingerbread Cookie, Mulled Wine or Old Fashioned Eggnog body wash? Please, Santa, please!

Oster Jewelers annual holiday gift with purchase: Buy any watch or jewelry through Dec. 21, and receive 25 percent off the purchase price for additional jewelry. Visit osterjewelers.com for more information.

Ann Taylor sale: Save 30 percent on your full-price purchase when you enter ANNCHIC at checkout for a limited time.

REI pre-holiday sale: Through Nov. 24, save up to 40 percent on select clothing, footwear and gear and snag free shipping on everything – even skis and snowboards, too!

Lesley Kennedy writes for ShopAtHome.com. Email her at LKennedy@ShopAtHome.com.

Wonder how to work catwalk cool into your own closet? Here’s how to translate the trends for real life.

Sure, normally you equate floral prints with spring and summer styles, but for fall 2013, it’s all about flower power. Darker backgrounds make the popular print a little more seasonal, but pops of pink, green, purple and blue will brighten up even the dreariest of cold weather days. On the runways, designer collections including Valentino, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton and Lanvin previewed the trend, sending blooming pieces down their catwalks. Want to try out the petal look this season? Here’s how to wear fall florals without looking like you forgot to flip your calendar.

THE RUNWAY: Tracy Reese, fall 2013
In a perfect example of the dark background, bright floral idea, Reese sent this flirty strapless mini down her fall runway, accessorized with dark sunglasses, black socks pumps and – naturally – a cat on a leash.

Dresses: Look fresh off the Fashion Week runways in a floral frock this season. Look for darker styles you can pair with tall boots or tights and pumps. Add a hat, cool bag or a bright lip and you’re ready for all the party invites headed your way.

For starters, it lasts for an entire weekend. And it’s held in one of Denver’s most luxurious hotels, the Ritz-Carlton.

It’s also a gourmet’s delight, with a dinner and brunch menu worlds apart from standard charity-circuit fare.

Kaleidoscope debuted this past spring, and was such a success that plans have already been launched for the 2014 edition.

The hotel’s general manager, Steve Janieck, recently joined co-chair Beth Bowlen Wallace and executive director Luanne Williams in hosting a preview party attended by potential sponsors and various friends of the Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation.

The 75 guests sampled culinary delights from executive chef Ruben Garcia and wines from Foley Family Winery, both of which will be in plentiful supply at the event that is also being chaired by Taryn Edwards.
Edwards, who was traveling and thus unable to attend the preview, and Wallace are both members of the foundation’s board of directors.

“Taryn and I are very proud of our association with Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation and the support the foundation offers the families in our Rocky Mountain region,” Wallace said. “We are also equally excited and honored to co-chair what is Colorado’s most unique and one-of-a-kind event, Kaleidoscope.”

Wallace also introduced jeweler John Atencio, who is designing jewelry and art that will be awarded to lucky buyers at the gala.

Atencio noted that he decided to align with the benefit after visiting with Dr. Reginald Washington, chairman of the foundation’s board of directors and chief medical officer for Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, and members of the foundation staff.

“I have seen their excellent work. Their mission meets well with what I express in my art and I am happy to support their mission and give back to my community in this way.”

Washington noted that in 2013, Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation will provide assistance to more than 1,500 patients and families by offsetting the costs associated with caring for their children.

“These are families with great need,” Washington said. “For many of these families it means they won’t have to be apart during their child’s treatment or that their child will securely ride home in the protection of a child safety seat. It also means that many families didn’t have to choose between paying their monthly rent payment and purchasing food for their sick child. This event is essential to us raising friends and resources for the foundation.”

Proceeds from Kaleidoscope 2014 will go to the Patient and Family Assistance Fund that provides support to pediatric patients, and their families, throughout the region.

Faye Washington, along with Williams and fellow chair emeritus Margie Mauldin, envisioned Kaleidoscope as an intimate event, with guests enjoying decadent food and wine in a luxurious setting throughout a weekend.

“We wanted this to be a welcome addition to the non-profit event circuit and by all accounts it was, as the feedback from last year was extremely positive,” Williams said. “Keeping the event small and including the overnight and brunch allows our guests to relax and enjoy each others’ company well into the night and the next day.”

Kaleidoscope 2014 is set for March 8 and 9 at the Ritz-Carlton. KOSI personality Denise Plante will be the mistress of ceremonies.

HealthONE has signed on as the Exclusive Diamond Sponsor. Other sponsors include Executive Forum;
Harmon, Inc.; the Born to Build Foundation; First Bank; Diversified Radiology of Colorado; the Ritz-Carlton; Cherry Creek Shopping Center; Colorado Business Bank; the Denver Broncos; Pediatrix Medical Group; Saunders Construction; Foley Family Wines and the Washingtons.

Additional information is available online or by calling 303-839-7425.